Letirina Lutu’s long-awaited dream of being officially married was realized this week during a civil ceremony organized by the Justice Ministry.
Hailing from Vanuabalavu, Ms. Lutu married her longtime partner, Joseva Tuitubou, in a modest ceremony held at Nasau Hall, which was attended by villagers and a government delegation that was part of the Justice Ministry’s tour on Koro Island.
Ms. Lutu recounted, “He (Joseva) was in the village hall when the ministry representatives informed the villagers they were offering the service. I thought he was joking, but seeing his seriousness made me gladly accept.”
The couple is parents to two children. Mr. Tuitubou expressed gratitude for the ministry’s initiative, stating, “We were planning to have a civil marriage in December as we needed to save for the trip to the mainland (Viti Levu).”
He explained the financial hurdles they faced, mentioning that boat fares exceeding $200 and the costs related to staying with relatives on the mainland could total over $1,000 for the entire trip.
Deputy Registrar General Viliame Kubunaceva officiated the civil union, indicating that the ministry is expanding its Births, Deaths, and Marriages services to the maritime regions and highlands of Fiji, with this initiative launching this week.